Sohei: Feudal Japan's elite warrior monks who's skill and prowess in battle made them revered legends.
(Several sohei are seen burning down the temple of a rival clan, the inhabitants inside helpless as the structure burns trapping them inside.)
vs.
Knight Templar: Christianity's most elite warriors who used fear and terror to spread their beliefs.
(A Knight Templar is seen clashing swords with a Saracen before breaking through his defense and slicing his head off with his broadsword.)
WHO IS DEADLIEST?
To find out, we've assembled a team of world class fighters to test history's most lethal weapons. Using 21st century science, we'll see what happens when two warriors go toe to toe.
No rules. No safety. No mercy. It's a duel to the death to decide who is…THE DEADLIEST WARRIOR!
Here in our elite fight club we have gathered doctors, medical scientists and weapons experts to test out the lethal arsenals wielded by each of our combatants to determine who would win a fight between two of history's most famous religious warriors.
Sohei
Circa: 1564 A.D.
Height: 5'6''
Weight: 150 lbs.
Armor: O-Yoroi, Cowl
Knight Templar
Circa: 1221 A.D.
Height: 5'11''
Weight: 175 lbs.
Armor: Chainmail w/ Plate, Great Helm
Geoff, Barry and Dorian gather around a table and gather weapons of both warriors and set them neatly on the table before gathering around it.
''Today we have an awesome match here. Two of the medieval world's most famous religious warriors go toe-to-toe as the Sohei warrior monk of feudal Japan duels with the Knight Templar of western Christianity. It's going to be a battle where neither warrior will fight until they win or die.'' Ex-special forces Barry Jacobsen says with a gleeful tone
''These two warriors are some of the best known religious soldiers in history. I think I have to give it to the Knight Templar though. He has greater reach with his lance and his armor seems to be more durable and he has a helmet whereas the Sohei isn't wearing one.'' Biomedical Engineer Geoff Desmoulin said
''I think the Sohei can win. He is better trained with his weapons, has the better sword and he is quicker and he has the better long range weapon. I think the Sohei will vanquish the Knight Templar this time around.'' Trauma Doctor Armand Dorian says
The Sohei were Buddhist warrior monks of both medieval and feudal Japan. At certain points of history they held considerable power, obliging the imperial and military governments to collaborate. The prominence of the sohei rose in parallel with the ascendancy of the Tendai school's influence between the 10th and 17th centuries. The warriors protected land and intimidated rival schools of Buddhism, becoming a significant factor in the spread of Buddhism and the development of different schools during the Kamakura period.
''These guys had as much power as the samurai, they were just as used in battle and just as good a fighter as their Bushido counterparts. Though they do follow the Buddhist code. They kill if you are deemed a rival of Buddhism.''
Warrior monks first appeared during the Heian period, when bitter political feuds began between different temples, different subsects of Buddhism, over imperial appointments to the top temple positions. Much of the fighting over the next four centuries was over these sorts of political feuds, and centered around the temples of Kyoto, Nara, and Ōmi, namely the Tōdai-ji,Kōfuku-ji, Enryaku-ji, and Mii-dera, the four largest temples in the country.
''They have build a legacy that is associated with their name. They have done unspeakable things in wars they've fought in that included burning down temples. The Knight Templar will be facing an opponent unlike any other he's seen.'' Barry explained
The warrior monk protected his temple with a diverse arsenal of weapons.
Short Range: Tachi
Mid-Range: Naginata
Long Range: Yumi
Special: Tanto
But how will Japan's warrior monk fair against an equally similar foe who spreads his religion through fear?
The Knights Templar or simply as Templars, were among the wealthiest and most powerful of the Western Christian military orders and were prominent in Christian finance. The organisation existed for nearly two centuries during the Middle Ages. Officially endorsed by the Roman Catholic Church around 1129, the order became a favoured charity throughout Christendom and grew rapidly in membership and power. Templar knights, in their distinctive white mantles with a red cross, were among the most skilled fighting units of the Crusades.
''They are most famous for their actions during the 3rd Crusade where they battled the Ayyubid Dynasty led by Saladin. The battle of Montgisard is their most famous battle where they defeated a force that greatly outnumbered them.''
The Templar's existence was tied closely to the Crusades when the Holy Land was lost, support for the order faded. Rumors about the Templar's secret initiation ceremony created distrust, and King Philip IV of France, deeply in debt to the order, took advantage of the situation. Under pressure from King Philip, Pope Clement V disbanded the order in 1312. The abrupt disappearance of a significant player in European society gave rise to speculation, legend and legacy use of their name, which has kept the "Templar" name alive to the modern day.
''Their legacy among Christians forever lives on and will never die. They are tough, feared among their enemies and have similar goals with their Japanese foes. The Sohei is in for the fight of his life.'' Barry finished with a smile
The fierce crusader charged into battle with weapons that painted the Holy Lands with the blood of his enemies.
Short Range: Broadsword
Mid-Range: Crusader's Lance
Long Range: Crossbow
Special: Flail
Both warriors used swords of different designs in which they relentlessly sliced and diced their enemies apart.
We now review the testing of the katana from 'Samurai vs. Persian Immortal' which is similarly designed like the tachi and review the testing of the broadsword in 'Rajput vs. Knight'. After a debate between the panelists, an edge has been decided.
''I'm giving the edge to the tachi, It's made of a better metal giving it better sturdiness and it like the katana can slash and stab with deadly efficiency, Edge tachi.'' Geoff started off
''I agree, the broadsword hits a lot harder and can definitely bludgeon it's way past the O-Yoroi armor of the Sohei, but the Sohei is better trained with his sword and a sturdier sword helps out as well without it bending so much and will definitely penetrate the exposed chainmail portions of the Knight Templar's armor. Edge tachi.'' Dorian seconded
''I also find myself agreeing with you both, the broadsword has never really won us over from the amount of times we've tested it against similar swords. It bends much more meaning it would break more often than either the katana or tachi. Edge to the tachi.'' Barry added
In short range weapons, the edge goes to the Sohei for the tachi.
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When both warriors wanted to skewer their enemies with their polearms, both utilized different means to do so. First will be the Knight Templar with his trusted Crusader's lance.
''The Crusader's lance was the favorite weapon of the Knight Templar when they were on horseback. It may not have a lot of piercing power behind it, it makes up for with it's sturdiness. They were usually 9 feet long and weighed 3 pounds.'' Dave Baker explains.
To test the Crusader's lance, our team has set up a mounted Sohei on horseback. We will test out the ability of the lance's armor piercing capabilities against the O-Yoroi armor of the Sohei.
''Okay, everything looks to be about set and ready to go. Whenever you're ready, mount your horse and go ahead and charge yout target.'' Geoff says
Knight Templar expert and reenactor Winston Gloucester mounts his horse and waits for the signal from Geoff.
''On 3..2..1..CHARGE!''
Winston's horse gallops forward with incredible speed, he sees the target come closer and closer and as he approaches, he points his lance forward and it connects with the O-Yoroi armor and penetrates it before knocking it off it's horse before Winston is forced to release his grip from his lance and he rides away with a whoop.
The panelists walk over to inspect what damage has been done to the armor.
''Winston I'm impressed, you achieved over 4 inches of penetration with 2 inches in the body. It isn't necesarrily deep enough to kill this man, but regardless you still managed to pierce the armor and touch him underneath. Still a good display of armor penetration against armor that is battle tested. On a last note, if the lance's head didn't pierce enough to kill, then other factors such as him falling off his horse at an awkward angle snapping his neck or he can be trampled to death by his horse would kill him.
Since we've already tested the naginata before, sohei expert Kento Ishihara will test his weapon against a mounted Knight Templar wearing it's signature armor of chainmail with plates.
''Robotic horse with Knight Templar will start moving...now!'' Geoff says
Kento stands firm with his naginata in the ready position, the mechanical horse slowly approaches Kento and as it comes within striking range, Kento thrusts his polearm into the chest of his target piercing through the chainmail just enough for him to give a further more forceful shove knocking the target off the horse.
Doctor Dorian walks over to assess the damage.
''Impressive dismounting there Kento. I'm seeing just a tad bit of penetration into the chainmail portion of the armor here, about 2 and a half inches. Not enough to kill but like with what I said with the lance, he can fall at an awkward angle and snap his neck. Or you can finish him off with another weapon while he's stunned by the impact.
Both warriors have shown the lethal capabilities of their polearms, which one do our experts believe has the edge?
''This is a tough decision, on one end you have a weapon that is excellent at dismounting you whereas the other is a lance better used mounted and has the longer reach. It's a wash on this one for me guys.'' Geoff started off
''For me, I go with the crusader's lance, It has a much longer reach than the naginata allowing the Knight Templar to stay out of reach of it and with the lance's longer length, he can skewer the Sohei before he can even use his naginata to dismount him. Edge crusader's lance.
''I have to side with the crusader's lance on this one, it has the longer reach like doc said and since horseback is used for this match, it is in it's element whereas the naginata is better on foot. Edge crusader's lance.'' Barry finishes
In mid-range weapons, the edge goes to the knight templar for the crusader's lance.
XXXXXX
When the battle moved to long range, both warriors utilized deadly bows to brings their enemies down.
Since we've already tested both the yumi and the crossbow in previous episodes, the panel now reviews the testing of said weapons in their original debuts. After the viewing of the tapes, our experts have no problem deciding an edge.
''Although the crossbow fires harder and can pierce the armor of the Sohei, the Sohei can fire faster shots and can effectively use his weapon off horseback compared to the crossbow. Edge Yumi.'' Geoff started
''I agree, the Knight Templar has chainmail portions in his armor the Sohei can aim for either a disabling injury or a kill shot if he hits an artery. Edge Yumi.'' Dorian agreed
''Once again as always, you guys provide enough of an argument to get me to side with your edges. Edge Yumi.'' Barry finishes
In long range weapons, the sohei takes the edge with the Yumi.
Coming up, two deadly special weapons will be brought out to see which is superior, and then later, two religious warriors do battle to decide who is the deadliest warrior!
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Now the time as come for both special weapons to be unveiled. Up first will be the Sohei with his most trusted sidearm.
''The tanto is one of many traditionally made Japanese blades that were worn by the samurai class of feudal Japan. The tanto is commonly referred to as a knife or dagger. The blade is single or double edged with a length between 6 to 12 feet long and weighed 2 pounds. The one we will use is the 6 inch one, the tanto was designed primarily as a stabbing weapon, but the edge can be used for slashing as well.'' Dave Baker explained
Kento stands before a torso outfitted in the armor of the Knight Templar where we will gauge it's damage possibilities to armored opponents.
''Alright Kento, on my go you will have 15 seconds to attack the torso and see what damage can be done.'' Geoff explains
Kento nods and as soon as Geoff walks off he puts one hand on the helmet and thrusts his tanto into it through its visor and withdraws it and goes for another stab through the throat. With his work done he moves down to the torso and stabs it in the chest piercing the chainmail. He withdraws his blade and stabs it again this time through the heart leaving the tanto in the body.
''Nice work there Kento.'' Geoff commented
''Make way doctor coming.'' Dorian said
''Cringy way to die here guys, he stabbed the target straight through the eye which severed his brain stem instantly killing him and the second stab through the throat, you skewered everything in there Kento and both these attacks on the head area are both instant kills no doubt about that. With your first stab down here in the chest you managed to hit the left lung collapsing it, he won't die right away but when you stabbed him again through the heart, he's guaranteed to die from it. Nice handiwork with your blade there.''
''My special weapon will ensure you don't get close enough to kill me, can't avoid getting your head smashed from my flail.'' Wintson spoke up
Since we've already seen the flail before, the panelists review the testing of the weapon from 'Rajput vs. Knight' and the decision isn't a hard one to decide.
''We've seen the flail before, it went up against the katar and the flanged mace. It didn't edge out either weapon. It's dangerous for the user and the Knight would be in danger if he's not careful. Edge tanto.'' Geoff said
In special weapons, the edge goes to the sohei for the tanto.
Moving on to armor, our panel then looks over the sohei's o-yoroi armor and the knight templar's chainmail with plate.
''On with the armor both have their strong points. The sohei is wearing heavier armor but offers a bit more protection from thrusting weapons whereas the templar has the lighter armor but his allows for thrusting attacks to get through easier. I'll have to call this even.'' Geoff started
''While the templar is wearing a helmet, I see these two sets of armor as even because of the numerous pros and cons for both.'' Dorian said
''I agree with everything you guys said. Edge even.'' Barry concluded
For armor, both warriors are dead even.
Coming up, Barry will gauge the x-factors and after that our battle between two warriors motivated by their religions finally duel to see who reigns supreme.
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Barry will now gauge the x-factors of both warriors.
''First and as usual, we have training. Both these men are two of the most well trained warriors in all of history. I ended up giving it to the Sohei because they trained in a variety of fighting styles and at an earlier age just like their samurai counterpart whereas the knight templar, you had to be granted the title of ''Knighthood.'' The sohei has a 95 to the knight templar's 90.''
''Next up is physicality, again, the Sohei again takes it with a 94 because he trained in various fighting styles like the samurai. The knight templar has a 91.''
''Next is intimidation, this went to the knight templar because they used fear and terror to spread the Christian belief, anyone who didn't believe in God was slain. He had a 85 to the sohei's 82.''
''Our fourth x-factor is endurance. Both men are covered head to toe in armor and are literal battle tanks and wear equally heavy armor. So they both have an 86 each.''
''We also covered fanaticism for both men. These two warriors were fiercely driven to fight for what they believed in, the sohei during the one of their most famous battles at Azukizaka burned down the temples of a rival clan. For the templar it was taking back the Holy Land from Saladin no matter what. Both warriors have a 90 each.''
''Lastly, we have killer instinct. Both men are driven to kill for their respective higher beings, but in the end, I had to give it to the knight templar because he was motivated by God to take the Holy Land back from the forces of Islam. The knight templar has a 86 to the sohei's 84.''
Barry as now concluded the x-factor evaluation of both our warriors. Now we will run the simulator 1,000 times to see who will win between two of history's most famous and religiously driven warriors?
''In the end, only one will remain standing, let's run the sim.'' Barry said as he pressed the enter key.
XXXXXX
The battle begins in a small forest with a small meadow in the middle of it. A lone Sohei is seen swinging his tachi at some bamboo mats before he sheathes his sword and proceeds to sit on a log and meditate with his horse grazing amongst the grass a few feet away.
In the nearby woods a lone Knight Templar is seen prowling through the woods on his horse. Having heard rumors of a foreign warrior being spotted in these areas he has decided to venture into it himself to see if these rumors hold true. He eventually enters the small meadow and spots the Japanese monk meditating on the log. He draws his lance and his horse gallops forward.
Annoyed at the sudden interruption of his tranquility the monk looks up to see the knight templar charging him with a lance of sorts. The sohei grabs his yumi and mounts his steed and charges forth with an arrow strung on his bow.
Both warriors get in reach of each other and the knight swings his flail but the monk ducks under it and and the sohei turns around and aims his bow and fires it.
The arrow hitting the knight in his back piercing the chainmail portion of his armor. Seeing his foe reaching for the arrow to remove it the sohei strings another arrow and fires it hitting the knight in his helmet and knocking him off his horse causing it to run away spooked.
The sohei motions his horse forward to inspect the seemingly unconscious crusader, as the monk approaches the knight templar suddenly sits up and fires his crossbow hitting the sohei's horse and killing it with a bolt to the skull.
The sohei's horse bucks wildly and he is then thrown to the ground stunning him. Quickly scooping up his flail the crusader runs over and attempts to smash the Japanese warrior's head in.
The sohei rolls out of the way and draws his tachi and swings it. The blade becoming tangled within the flail's chain and both warriors struggle for control of both weapons. The knight templar's slightly larger size playing into his favor and he manages to force himself upon the smaller Japanese monk.
The sohei throws his tachi at the knight hitting his helmet and giving the sohei time to retrieve his naginata and he thrusts it at the knight hitting him in the stomach.
Feeling his weapon pierce the chainmail the samurai forces it in more causing the knight to grab the naginata by it's shaft, withdrawing his broadsword he goes to cut through the wooden shaft but the sohei being the quicker warrior brings it back and then swings it the knight's side hitting him with enough force to knock him sideways.
Wanting to create more distance the sohei run towards the treeline after scooping up his tachi and makes a break for the treeline. Not wanting his foe to get away, the knight templar scoops up his crossbow and flail and gives chase.
The sohei makes his way to a tree and sets his naginata beside it and goes to run back to the edge of the treeline but doesn't see the templar. He hears a twig snap to his left and turns to see a broadsword swung at his face.
He nearly avoids being killed by dodging to the side and grabs the knight by his arm and shoulder throws his disarming him in the process.
The templar takes his flail and retaliates with a swing that strikes the Japanese warrior in his side stunning him for a second.
Taking the moment to get his broadsword the knight follows up with a swing aimed at decapitating the monk but the monk raises his tachi in defense but the force of the swing knocks the blade right out of his hand.
Seeing his opponent seemingly weaponless the templar brings his broadsword in an overhead swing.
The monk reacts quickly and grabs the templar's sword and the knight's hand in an attempt to pry the sword away but the crusader hits the sohei square in his face with the pommel dazing him.
With a follow up swing the templar hits a lace on the sohei's o-yoroi armor and slices a piece of the shoulder part and stabs the Japanese monk in his exposed shoulder. The sohei yells in pain as the knight forces his blade in more.
Running out of options the sohei draws his tanto and in one swift move stabs it through the knight templar's hand and saws through it. Screaming in pain the knight strikes the sohei again with the pommel causing his to let go and stumble back holding his face.
Taking the tanto out of his now mangled hand the knight looks up to see the sohei running away. Seething with anger the crusader gives chase.
The sohei happens upon his naginata set beside the tree from earlier and grabs it. He then hides behind the tree and waits for the templar to come close. The templar runs up to the tree he saw the sohei and swings his broadsword.
He looks to see the sohei is not there and his blade being embedded within the tree. He hears footsteps from behind him and he looks over his shoulder and he is struck in the helmet knocking it clean off his head with the naginata.
The sohei wastes no time in stabbing the templar through his side piercing through the armor. The templar cries in pain and manages to free his broadsword and swings it only for the sohei to dodge it.
Wanting to finish the fight once and for all, the sohei retracts his naginata and slices the knight templar across his face forcing him to his knees, seeing his wounded adversary the sohei responds by bringing his naginata down onto the crusader's skull and cuts a side of the head off taking a chunk brain with it.
Watching his dead, wide eyed opponent fall overto the ground the warrior monk stabs his naginata into the ground then gets on his knees and prays in victory.
XXXXXX
Winnner: Sohei
Sohei: 517
Tachi: 185
Naginata: 156
Yumi: 71
Tanto: 105
Knight Templar: 483
Broadsword: 181
Crusader's Lance: 164
Crossbow: 70
Flail: 68
X-Factors
Training: 95/Training: 90
Physicality: 94/Physicality: 91
Intimidation: 82/Intimidation: 84
Endurance: 86/Endurance: 86
Fanaticism: 90/Fanaticism: 90
Killer Instinct: 84/Killer Instinct: 86
Armor Failure Rate
O-Yoroi: 13% - Chainmail w/Plate: 12%
No Helmet - Great Helm: 3%
Following a close battle between two of history's most religiously driven warriors. The sohei narrowly achieves victory, his superior swordsmanship combined with his better special weapon and his yumi allowed him to triumph over the knight templar. The knight templar scoring more kills at mid-range with his crusader's lance skewering it's way through the naginata.
''I honestly am surprised the knight templar lost. I though he was just the more extreme and fanatical warrior. His armor was more easily pierced as long as you hit the chainmail portions and he was a great swordsman but no on the same level as the sohei. It was a great match overall.'' Geoff explained
''The sohei earned this victory, the knight templar was no slouch though, at mid-range he dominated the sohei but when things got up close and personal the sohei's superior sword fighting skills just took him by surprise.'' Dorian said
''Another great match between two great warriors, in the end the better man won, congratulations sohei.'' Barry concluded
(The sohei is seen limping his way back to the meadow from earlier and makes his way towards the stump he used to meditate he sees the knight templar's horse eating grass in front of it. Pleased to have a new steed he limps towards the stump and sets the fallen crusader's broadsword by a nearby rock and proceeds to meditate in peace once again.)
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Next time on Deadliest Warrior: Remastered. Two ruthless marauding sea-faring thieves do battle.
Pirate: The ruthless, devious killers of the high seas.
vs.
Kaizoku: Fearsome Japanese pirates who killed all who stood in their way.
Who is Deadliest!?